Attorney, Employment Law & Employee Relations

Headquartered in Chicago, Performance Trust Financial Holdings is an institutional fixed income broker/dealer and investment advisory firm, specializing in highly analytical, performance driven strategies. Our core clients include community and middle-market banks, credit unions, and insurance companies. Our unique and customized approach to strategic advisory, mergers and acquisitions, and balance sheet solutions provides financial institutions the confidence to manage the full lifecycle of their institution, earn their independence, and expand strategic alternatives through enhanced financial performance and good regulatory standing. 

The Attorney – Employment Law & Employee Relations will serve as the firm’s primary advisor on employment-related legal matters, working closely with both the Legal and Human Resources teams. This role offers a unique opportunity to blend legal expertise with strategic business partnership in a high-performance, compliance-oriented environment. You will manage employment risk, provide day-to-day counsel on employee relations, and oversee employment litigation and investigations.

Litigation & Claims Management

• Manage outside counsel and direct responses to administrative complaints (EEOC, DOL, IDHR, etc.).
• Represent the company in complex litigation matters, including employment disputes, discrimination claims, and contract enforcement.
• Handle all stages of litigation including fact investigation, pleadings, discovery, motion practice, trial preparation, and appeals.
• Provide strategic legal counsel on matters involving restrictive covenants, non-competes, confidentiality agreements, and employee mobility.
• Manage and respond to issues involving team lift-outs, including pre-litigation risk assessments and related corporate strategy.
• Partner with Human Resources, Compliance, and business leaders to proactively address potential legal risks in employment-related decisions.
• Oversee outside counsel in litigation matters, ensuring high-quality and cost-effective legal representation.
• Monitor legal trends and regulatory developments related to labor and employment law and advise internal stakeholders accordingly.
• Develop and deliver training for internal teams on litigation risk management and employment law best practices.

Legal Counsel & Policy Guidance

• Advise on compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, Title VII, NLRA, and others.
• Counsel leaders and HR on a wide range of employment matters including hiring, performance management, accommodations, compensation, terminations, and reorganizations.
• Review and update employee handbooks, internal policies, and separation agreements in collaboration with People & Culture.

Employee Relations & Investigations

• Provide strategic guidance on complex employee relations matters.
• Lead and document internal investigations into employee concerns, ensuring fairness, consistency, and compliance with legal obligations.
• Serve as a trusted resource to HR and leadership on employee behavior and conduct matters.

Compliance, Training & Culture Enablement

• Design and deliver employment law compliance training for managers and HR staff.
• Support initiatives related to employee engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion from a legal risk perspective.
• Collaborate across departments to reinforce a culture of compliance and respectful workplace conduct.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited institution; active bar membership in good standing licensed to practice law in Illinois or ability to obtain in-house registration.
• 8–10 years of relevant litigation experience with a strong foundation in employment law, employee relations, and litigation.
• Combination of law firm and in-house experience preferred; experience in financial services or a regulated environment a plus.
• Proven track record managing internal investigations and employment claims.
• Ability to translate complex legal principles into practical, solutions-oriented guidance.
• Professionalism, discretion, and emotional intelligence in handling sensitive matters.

Featured Benefits

Medical

Dental

Vision

Health and Wellbeing

Prescription Drug Plans

Voluntary Life Insurance + Long term disability insurance

PT Retirement

Mission Driven Employee Stock Ownership Plan

Stability

Pre-Tax Commuter benefits – Transit & Parking

Lifestyle

Discounted Fitness memberships

Lifestyle Management – Tobacco Cessation & Weight Management

Vacation/Personal Days + Holidays

Pre-tax Flex Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA)